Adjustable cam for circular knitting machine and the like



s. J. HADDAD 3,004,416

ADJUSTABLE CAM FOR CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE AND THE LIKE Oct. 17, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 20, 1959 INVENTOR SALoMAo I HADDAD ATTORNEYS Oct. 17, 1961 Filed Aug. 20, 1959 s. J. HADDAD 3,004,416

ADJUSTABLE CAM FOR CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE AND THE LIKE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 55a. Oo.

IN VENTOR SALQMAQ J. HAD DAD Fig-16 QMMM ATTORNEYS S. J. HADDAD Oct. 17, 1961 ADJUSTABLE CAM FOR CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 20, 1959 3 Sheets-:Sheet 3 INVENTOR SALoMAo JZHADDAD ATTORNEY-5 United States Patent 3,004,416 ADJUSTABLE CAM FOR CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE AND THELIKE Salomao J. Haddad, Charlotte, N.C., assignor to Southern Mill Equipment Corporation, Charlotte, N.C., a corporation of North Carolina Filed Aug. 20, 1959, Ser. No. 835,053

23 Claims. (Cl. 66-156) This invention relates to a novel adjustable cam particularly devised for use on the pattern drums of circular must be accurately located in order to insure that various elements of the knitting machine are actuated and deactivated in precise timed relationship.

This is particularly true withrespect to the cams on} the pattern drum which controls actuation of the yarn feed fingers on a 'Hemphill Model SCOP solid color overplaid knitting machine. with mechanism for axially shifting the rockers or levers, which control the yarn feed fingers, relative to the pattern drum substantially as disclosed in US. Patent No. 2,625,808, granted to I. H. C. Green et al. on January 20; 1953. The yarn fingers on this type of machine must be so accurately controlled that a few thousandths of an inch misplacement of either the trailing or leading ends, or both, of any particular cams on the drum \might cause the respective yarn feed fingers to be actuated or deactivated at the wrong time with respect to the rotation of the needle cylinder, such as to damagecertain parts or produce undesirable stitches or holes in the stocking or other article being knitted.

Thus, it has been necessary, heretofore, in setting up the machine, to mount the usual solid arcuate or segmental cams on the drum in the approximate desired position and then manually rotate the cylinder and file or otherwise shape the front and rear ends of the cams until they would finally cause the respective yarn fingers to move into and out of operative position at exactly the right time. It is apparent that this has required that each cam be mounted on and removed from the pattern drum a number of times before it would actually serve the desired purpose. Also, in many instances, too much stock may be removed from either or both ends of the cams and such cams then had to be discarded or used at another location.

Recently, an extensibly adjustable cam has been used on pattern drums, but such cam has been extremely difiicult to adjust and maintain in proper adjustment during continued operation of the cam drum. Also, the construction of such extensible cam is such that it could not be made sufficiently narrow to be used on a yarn finger control drum wherein the fingers and the drum are relatively axially shifted, during operation of the machine, for alternate alinement with two cams which occupy the space usually occupied by a single cam.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide This machine is equipped 3,004,416 Patented Oct. 17, 1961 an improved composite cam particularly adapted for use on the drums of a circular knitting machine of the character described and which cam may be easily and accurately varied in efiective length while it is mounted on the pattern drum.

It is another object of this invention to provide a composite cam of the character described which comprises an elongate body adapted to be secured to a cam support, such as a pattern drum, and which is provided with extensibly adjustable or telescoping elements on either or both ends thereof.

It. is still another object of this invention to provide a composite cam of the character described which comprises an elongated shell-like main body having longitudinally extending grooves in its inner surface for receiving respective relatively thin shanks or stems of a cam extension or extensions extending from either or both ends of the body. These shanks are engaged at their upper edges by the beveled head portion or portions of a screw or screws which secure the body to the drum whereby the beveled sides of the screws cause the shanks to bear outwardly against the walls of the respective grooves and inwardly against the periphery of the pattern drum to securely lock the same in adjusted position.

Another object of this invention is to provide a composite cam construction of the character last described and wherein the exposed portions of the cam extensions are each provided with a notch or groove in its upper edge which is exposed beyond the corresponding end of the cam housing or main body so as to be readily engaged by a relatively thin instrument, such as a screw driver, which may then be tapped in either direction for effecting the desired adjustment of the cam extensions relative to the cam housing or main body.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, .in which- FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary side elevation, partially in section, showing the yarn feed fingers, the respective control or pattern drum and intervening connections at one side of a solid color. over-plaid knitting machine of substantially the type disclosed in said US. Patent No. 2,625,808, and showing a first form of the improved composite cam mounted on the drum;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged inside view of the improved composite cam removed from the pattern drum;

FIGURE 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3 in FIGURE 2 and showing a portion of the adjacent pattern drum in association therewith, the drum being shown as though rotated slightly from the position of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation looking substantially along line 4-4 in FIGURE 3, but omitting the screw and the pattern drum, and showing how the cam extensions may be locked in the main body;

FIGURE 5 is a view looking at the bottom of FIG- URE 3, but showing only the shell or main body of the composite cam;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional view taken substantially along line 6--6 in FIG- URE 2;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional view taken substantially along line 7-7 in FIG- URE 2;

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional view taken substantially along line 8-8 in FIG- URE 2;

FIGURE 9 is a view similar to FIGURE 2, but showing a second form of the improved composite cam;

FIGURE 10 is a view looking at the right-hand side of the second form of composite cam shown in FIGURE 9, and showing, in cross-section, a portion of the pattern drum in association therewith;

FIGURE 11 is a longitudinal sectional view through the second form of composite cam, taken substantially along line 11 11" in FIGURE 9, and also showing a portion of the pattern drum, in cross-section, in association therewith;

FIGURE 12 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken substantially along line 12-7-12 in FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 13 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken substantially along line 13--,-13 in FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 14; is an exploded, somewhat schematic, isometric view of the second form of cam shown in FIG- URE 9;

FIGURE 15v is a view similar to FIGURES 2 and 9, but showing a third form of the improved compositecam;

FIGURE 16 is a longitudinal sectional view through the third form of cam taken substantially along line 16-16 in FIGURE 15 and showing a portion of the pattern drum, in cross-section, in association therewith;

FIGURE 17 is a transverse sectional view through the pattern drum showing a fourth form of the invention showing a novel filler cam positioned between the proximal ends of two sectional cams of the type embodied in the third form of composite cam;

FIGURE 18 is an isometric view of the filler cam sho-wn inithe-lower right-hand portion of FIGURE 17;

FIGURE 19 is a view similar to FIGURE 3 showing a fifth form of composite cam embodyingthe present invention;

FIGURE 20 is a fragmentary outside View of the composite cam shown in FIGURE 19; and

FIGURE 21 is a transverse sectional view through the fifth form of composite cam taken along line 21-21 in FIGURE 20.

Referring to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, a first embodimentof the improved composite cam, broadly designated at 20, is shown mounted on a support in the form of a pattern drum 21. In. this instance, the pattern drum 2-1 is shown as being ofa type disclosed in United States Patent No. 2,625,808 granted to I. C. Green eta1. andwhich serves to control the operation of a plurality of yarn feed fingers 22 through the medium of cam levers or rockers 23 and jack levers 24.

As is well known, the yarn feed fingers 2-2- are each capable of vertical pivotal movement for feeding respective yarns Y to needles N mounted in a needle cylinder C for knitting stockings or other circular fabric F. It willbe. notedthat one of the jack levers 24 is provided for each yarn feedfinger 2,2 and the inner end of each jack lever 24 underlies the corresponding yarn feed finger 22 so that, when its end associated with a yarn feed finger is raised by depressing its other end, the respec tive yarn feedfinger will be raised out of action. At, other times, the yarn feedfinger will rest upon a throat plate 26 where it then occupies aetive or operative. position for feeding yarn Y to needles N. One of the rockers or earn levers 23 overlies and, engages the outer end of each jack lever 24 and the other or reading end of each rocker-or cam lever 2 3. overlies the drum 2 1.

Drums of the character described are generally provided with, a plurality of circular series or rows of "equally spaced threaded holes a, through k around the, periphery thereof to accommodate each cam or circular row; of; cams (FIGURES. 3, 10, 1'1, 16 and 17 Allgthe differu forms o composite ca clo ed e ein; ma e. se cured to the periphery of the pattern drum 21 byscrewsg threaded into the existing threaded holes provided in the periphery of the drum.

The first form of composite cam 20 comprises an arcuate housing, main body or shell 30 which is in the form of an elongate channel of substantially U-shaped cross-section and from opposite ends of which extend leading and trailing extension cam means. Although there are instances in which a single cam extension may be desired at each end of the body 30', since the extent of relative movement between the rockers 23 and pattern drum 21 does not normally exceed the width of a single cam or row of cams, the'leading and trailing ends of the main body 30- are provided with extension cam means in the form of respective pairs of exam extensions 31, 32 n 1 Cam e t r v e each ars a e i form and the inner edges thereof are preferably of slightly lesser radius than the radius ot the periphery of the pattern drum, for purposes to be later described.

As best shown in FIGURES 7 and 8, the main body 30 comprises a relatively thin outer wall 35 and opposed relatively thin side walls. or flanges 36, 37. The outer wall 35 should normally be as thin as possible, without unduly weakening the sa1;ne, s(; that movement of a follower between either end of main body. and the respective cam elementsor'extensionswill not effect; any noticeable outward or inward movement to the follower relative to the cam support 2 1 There may be instances,

however, in which it is desirable that the ends of the top wall are thick enough to effect intentional additional rise orfall to the follower traversing the composite cam. In practice, it has been found desirable to norm-ally make saidtop or-outerwall of an inch thick, plus or minus & of an inch. Formed; integral with. or suitably secured to a medial portion of the outer wall 35 of main body 30 is an elongate, arcnate core block or guide block 40 which may preferably be, of lesser thickness than the height of the inner portions of side walls 36, 37 and whose opposed side edges orsurfaces are spaced inward- 1y from the respective flanges or side walls 36, 37 to form elongategroovesfl, 42 inthe inner surface of-cornposite cam 20;

Grooves 4-1, 42 are provided for receiving the proximal ends of respective relatively thin side portions, shanks, tails orstems, 43, 44 and 45, 46 projecting; from relatively thicker bodies or heads 50, 51, 52, 53 of the respective cam extensions 31-34. The heads 50-53' of cam extensions 31-34pmaybe integral with, spot-weldedto, or otherwise secured to the respective shanks 4346,

since the shanks, at least, are preferably made from spring steel in order thatth'ey may be bent slightly adjacent their ends opposite from the heads so as to be frictionally retained in the, respective grooves41, 42; of the cam housing 30 (see FIGURE 14):. Thispermits adjustment of onev of the cam extensions, without disturbing the same end of the body 30; It will be noted that core block- 40 is shorter than main body 30 so that at least the outer wall 35 thereof overlies the heads 50-53 of the cam extensions 31-34;

Although distal ends ofthe heads 50-53 of cam extensions 31-34 may be ofa-ny desired: shape, according to the purpose forwhich; the composite cam 20 may be used, the free ends ofthe leading cam, extensions 31, 32 arebcveled or inclined outwardly and: toward; the main body 30, as at 55, and the free ends of the heads 51, 53 of the trailing cam, extensions, 33, 34-. may be formed at substantially right: angles to the immediate end portions of the corresponding heads51-5-3 as at 56.

In order to. facilitate adjustment of cam extensions 31-34, the outersurface of the head of each cam extension 31-34 is,- provided- With a small; notch or groove 60 immediately adjacent the free end thereof. These notches: 6,0, define a small abutment onthe free end of ash extens o -l and theyr main; expose relative. to the main; body. 3!) regardless of the position to which the; can; extensions may, be adjustedi Further, at least the free distal ends of the heads 50-53 of cam extensions 31-34 are seated against the drum 21. Thus, a relatively sharp instrument, such as a screw driver or chisel, may be inserted in the notch 60 of any of the cam extensions 31-34, which are to be adjusted in either direction relative to the main body 30, and by lightly tapping said instrument, each corresponding cam extension may be adjusted in either direction relative to the main body or housing 30 and drum 21.

Of course, during such adjustment, the threaded portions of screws 61, 62 extend radially inwardly through guide block 40 and are loosely positioned in corresponding threaded holes, such as threaded holes a, c in drum 21. Thus, it is only necessary to exert relatively light force against any one of the cam extensions 31-34 to adjust the same relative to main body or housing 30. The screws 61, 62 must have a relatively snug fit in the respective holes through the core block 40 so that adjustment of cam extensions will not displace the body 30 relative to the support or pattern drum 21. a

As is Well known, the cams on a pattern drum must exert considerable pressure on the followers, such as the reading ends of rockers 23 of FIGURE 1, in order to raise such followers with respect to the pattern drum. Also, the pressure of the followers against the outer sur faces of such cams is considerable; to'such extent that they might accidentally displace the cam extensions 31-34 relative to pattern drum 21 and main body or housing 30, even though the shanks 43-46 may frictionally engage the proximal surfaces of the core or guide blocks 40 and the walls or flanges 36, 37 of main housing or body 30. Therefore, in order to releasably'secure the cam extensions 31-34 in the desired adjusted position, each screw 61, 62 is provided with a flat-ended frustoconical head 63 which fits in a mating substantially frusto-conical hole or countersink 64 (FIGURES 4 and 6) for the respective bore 65 through which the threaded portion of the corresponding screw 61 or 62 loosely extends. It will be noted that the depth of grooves 41, 42 relative to the depth of countersink 64 is such as to provide a pair of openings 66 in each countersunk recess 64 through which project the upper portions of the'respectiilre shanks or stems 43-46 of respective cam extensions 3 -34.

Thus, when each screw 61, 62 is driven home or tightened, the tapered outer surface of the head 63 engages the proximal c-orneredges of the shanks of respective cam extensions thus forcing said shanks outwardly, against the proximalor inner surfaces of the respective walls or flanges 36, 37 of the main body or housing 30. In addition, the head 63 of each screw 61, 62 tightens the inner curved or arcuate surfaces or edges of the corresponding cam extensions 31-34 against the periphery of drum 21 while securing the ,housing or main body against the periphery of drum 21 or, at least, i3111 fixed relation to the drum 21 and the cam extensions As heretofore stated, the inner arcuate edges or surfaces of cam extensions 31-34 are preferably of slightly lesser radius than the radius of the periphery of drum 21. This is desirable so that the heads 63 of screws 61, 62 force the respective portions of stems 43-46 inwardly toward or against the periphery of drum 21. Thus, the shanks 43-46 of cam extensions 31-34 yieldably bear against the portions of screw heads 63 which register with openings 66 of FIGURE 4 and maintain screws 61, 62 in locked position. In other words, the resilient pressure of the upper proximal edges of stems 43-46 prevent accidental loosening of screws 61, 62. It is apparent, that during adjustment of cam extensions 31-34 relative to main body or housing 30, screws 61, 62 may be slightly loosened. i

It is thus seen that each cam extension 31-34 may be adjusted relative to the others and relative to main body 30 by merely loosening screws 61, 62 and inserting a screw steeper angle than that at which the end edges 55, 56 of the cam extensions 31-34 are formed. Also, the distance from the notches 60 to the ends of the heads 50-53 adjacent core or guide block 40 is substantially the same as or slightly greater than the distance from each end of outer wall 35 of main body 30 to the corresponding end of guide blocks 40. a

In other words, when any one of the cam extensions 31-34 is so adjusted that the innermost end of its body engages the corresponding end of guide block 40, the notch 60 in the corresponding cam extension will still be exposed so that a suitable instrument may be inserted therein for effecting adjustment of the corresponding cam extension relative to main body 30 and drum 21. i

As shown in FIGURE 5, the extreme end walls 36, 37 of housing or main body 30 may be slightly turned or bent inwardly toward each other so they yieldably engage the distal surfaces of the respective pairs of cam extensions 31, 32, 33, 34 and further assist in yieldably or frictionally resisting movement of the corresponding cam extensions as they are adjusted in the manner heretofore decribed. The inwardly bent free ends of the main body 30 are also provided so as to compensate for any variation in the thickness of different cam extensions.

In order to extend the useful life of the composite cam 20, all the various elements thereof, may be made from tempered or hardened steel-so that the reading ends of rockers 23, or other followers engaging the same, will not form grooves therein. Further, this reduces the drag effect of the rockers 23 against'the outer surfaces of the various exposed elements of the composite cam 20. It is particularly desirable that at least the conical heads 63 of screws 61, 62, and the stems 43-46, are tempered or hardened so that repeated loosening and tightening of the screws will not cause the shanks of the corresponding cam extensions 3-1-34 to gouge a groove or grooves in the heads 63 of the corresponding screws 61, 62, or vice versa. Otherwise, the wedging efiect of the tapered surfaces of the screw heads 63 might be destroyed.

Second form of the invention In the first form of the invention, it will be noted that the grooves 41, 42 in main body or housing 30 are of substantially the same or slightly greater width than the thickness of therespective shanks 43, 44 and 45, 46. Accordingly, the shanks 43, 45 are in substantial alinement with the respective shanks 44, 46. Now, the second form of composite cam shownin FIGURES 9-14 differs from the first form; priman'ly, in that the shanks of the cam extensions projecting from one end of the main body overlap the shanks of those cam extensions projecting from the other end of the body. Also, the cam in the second embodiment of the invention is secured to drum 21 by a single screw, although additional screws may be used depending upon the desired length of the overall composite cam. In all other respects, the second form of composite cam is substantially the same as the. first form and, therefore, like parts will bear the same reference characters with the small letter a thereto, to avoid repetitive description, where applicable. However, the pattern drum and its threaded holes bear the same reference characters in each form of the invention.

Referring to FIGURE 9 in particular, the side walls 36a, 37a of main body 30a are of substantially the same thickness throughout the length thereof, as is also the case with the guide block 40a, However, guide blOck 40a is proportionally spaced somewhat further from the proximal surfaces of flanges 36a, 37a so the slots 41a, 42a may be of 's'ufiicient width to accommodate the respective pairs of extension cam stems 43a, 44a and 45a, 46a, the stems of each pair being in side-b'y-side juxtaposition. Accordingly'; it will be noted that stems 44a, 46h are off-set, relative to the outer side surfaces of the heads 51a, 53a of the respective trailing cam extensions 3311', 34a, so as to be disposed inwardly er,- ana en age the proximal surfaces of, stems 43a, 45a of leading cam extensions 31a, 32a. 7

The 'thr'eaded portion of a hardened flat-headed screw 70 loosely extends through guide block 4011 at the center of main body 30a and is threaded into the hole b in this instance. As showri in FIGURE 13, the head 71a of screw 70 is also of frusto-coiiical shape and diametrically opposed surfaces thereof engage the proximal upper edges of the'inrierrriost overlapping sets of stems 43a-46a, which happens to; be the stems 44a, 46a in this instance.

FIGURE 14 merely illustrates the particular cam extensions and the main body and, shows, in particular, the manner in which the stern of each cam extension may be elf-set or bent, as at 72, in order to be frictionally 'retained in the grooves 41a, 42a.

The cam extensions Slit-34a of composite cam 20a (FIGURES 9 through 14) are constructed in substantially the same manner as those of the first form, and may be adjusted relative to main body 30a in the same manner in which cam extensions 31-34 of the first form of the invention are adjusted relative to main body 30. Therefore, a further detailed descriptio'h of the second form of the inveritiori is deemed unnecessary.

Third form of the invention The third form of the invention is quite similar to the first form of .the invention. However, the main body and its core block are separated to form two composite cam sections whose proximal ends may abut each other or may be provided with a spacer or filler cam therebetween, such as that shown in FIGURES 17 and 18. The third form of composite cam may be more easily constructed than the solid composite cam of the first form of the invention, and the effective length thereof may be readily increased by using the spacer cam or filler cam shown in FIGURES 17 and 18. In all other respects, the upper and lower composite cam sections shown in FIGURES 15 and 16 are substantially the same as respective upper and lower portions of composite cam shown in, FIGURES 2 and 3. Therefore, the upper section 2% of the composite cam shown in FIG- URES 15 and 16' shall bear the same reference characters' as are applicable to the upper portion of the solid composite cam 20' shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, with the small letter 11 added thereto. Also, the lower section 200 of the -corriposite. in FIGURES 15 and 16 shall bear the same reference characters as the lower portion of the solid cam 20 shown in FIGURES 2 and 3 with the small letter c added, in order to avoid repetitive description.

It will be noted that the proximal abutting ends of composite cam sections 20b, 20c are devoid of can! extensions and merely abut one another while the distal ends thereof are provided with respective cam exteiisions 31b, 34b and 31c, It is apparent that either composite' cam section 20b' or 20c may be used independently of the other or in combination with solid cams, without departing from the spirit of the invention. Fourth form of the invention It will be observed in FIGURE 17 that the square or butt ends of sectional composite cams 20d, 20 e, identical to respective sectional composite cams 20b, 20c comprise elementsof a fourth form of the invention with the proximal or butt ends thereof being spaced apartfrom' each other to accommodate therebetween a spacer cam or filler cam 80. Thus, the composite sectional cams 202i, 2Ii will not be described in detail and 8 those parts thereof which are ideritical to corresponding parts of the respective sectional cams 20b, 20c shall bear the same reference characters with the letters d and e substituted for the respective letters I1 and c, where applicable.

Since the sectional cam 20d occupies the same position as earn 205 (FIGURE 16) relative to 21, it is apparent that the threaded portioii of screw 61e is threaded into the threaded hole e of drum 21 instead of being threaded into the hole c, as is the case with respect to the threaded portion of screw 61c in FIG- RE The filler cam of FIGURES 17 and 18 is broadly designated at and' 'comprises an arcuate, elongate, substantially channel-shaped or U-shap'ed body 81 including a relatively thin outer wall 82 and opposed relatively thin side walls or flanges 83 84. A relatively small core block 85 is suitably secured to or formed iiitegral with body 81 and may span the distance between and be connected to or formed integral with the side walls or flanges 83, 84. I

The threaded portion of a fiat-headed screw 86 loosely extends through block 85. Block 85 along with the outer wall 82 of body 81, may be countersunk, as at87, to accommodate the conical head 90 of screw 86. The threaded portion of screw 86 is shown as being threaded into the hole c" indrum 21 (FIGURE 17). Opposite ends of the flanges 83, 84 of housing or body 81 are preferably form-ed at substantially right" angles to the immediate adjacent end portions of the outer surface of outer wall 82 so that they abut the proximal ends of sectional cams 20d, 20a. 7

Fifth form of the invention Referring to FIGURES 19, 20 and 21 a fifth embodiment of the invention is shown in which a solidextension cam projects from each end of the main body. In this instance, the main body, broadly designated at 100, is in the form of an elongate channel comprising an outer wall 101 and opposed side walls or flariges 102, 103. A medial portion of the channel shaped body 10 0 is provided with a core or projection 104 through which a screw 105 extends, the head of the screw preferably being flat and of frusto-conical form and being positioned in the outer wall 101 flush with the outer surface of the outer wall 101. V

The fifth form of composite cam dificrs from the other forms of the composite cam in that the lower surface of the main body 100' is devoid of narrow slots for receiving' stems on the cam extensions. Instead, the cam extensions of the fifth form of the invention, indicated at 110, 111, are each in the form of a solid elongate block which is substantially rectangular in cross-section and each of which is provided with a notch 112 in its free'end portion for the purposes of adjusting the corresponding cam extension. Each elongate cam extension 110, 111, is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 113:therein which is defined by opposite side portions of the respective cam extensions Each slot 113 is closed at opposite ends thereof and has a form of countersink 114 in its outer portion.

In other words, the upper or outer end of each slot 113 is formed with outwardly tapering walls 114. These Walls 114 preferably extend at substantially the same angle as diametrically opposed portions of the head of the respective screw 116'. In addition, the portion of the outer wall 101 which overlies each cam extension 110, 111 has a tapered Bore or hole 117 therethrough in which the'uppermost portion of the head of the corresponding screw fits when the screw is driven home. When the corresponding screw 115 is driven home, it will be noted that the head thereof bears against the inclin'ed surfaces 114 at the upper end of each slot 113- to thus'forc'e the same downwardly'and releasabl'y se- 9.. cure the corresponding cam extension in the desired adjusted position.

j As. is the case with the first, second, third and fourth forms of the invention, the inner. surfaces of the side walls 102, 103 of main housing 100 are preferably of lesser depth or height than the corresponding'cam extensions 110, 111 to thereby insu'rethat the;cam extensions are tightly locked in the desired adjusted position. Notches 112 in the free end portions of cam extensions 110, 111' are provided to facilitate adjusting .the' cam extensions relative to main body 100 when 'screws 115 are slightly loosened, as is the case With the preceding forms of the invention. The composite cam of FIGURES 19, and'2l may also be made in the form of sectional cams substantially in the manner described with respect to'the third and fourth forms of the invention.

. It is thus seen that I have provided several embodimentsof an improved composite cam for use on a pattern drum, and which is provided with one or more extensions at theiror both ends thereof which are frictionally retained in a main body and may be easily adjusted in either direction relative to the body. Further, I have provided a composite cam wherein the screw or screws used for attaching the body to the drum also serve totightly lock the cam extensions in the desired adjusted position relative to the body.

The various embodiments of the improved composite cam herein are shown as being arcuate for mountingon a cylindrical pattern drum. However, the composite cam may be straight or of other form if it is desired to use the same on a movable or stationary support which is flat or shaped otherwise, without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

In the drawings and specification there have been set forth preferred embodiments of the invention and although specific terms are employed, they are used 1n a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.

- I claim: a

1. A composite cam adapted to be mounted on a support for actuating'machine elements, said cam comprising an elongate body adaptedto be secured to said support, at least one cam extension adapted to seat against said support, said body including an outer wall extending longitudinally from at least one end of said body and overlying said cam extension, said cam extension having an abutment adjacent its end remote from said body and being adjustable longitudinally of said body between said overlying wall and said support whereby an instrument may be placed against said abutment and stuck lightly to.

adjust'said cam extension, and means frictionally restraining said cam extension from unintentional movement relative to said body.

2. A composite cam adapted to be mounted on a support for actuating machine elements, said cam compr1sing an elongate body adapted to be secured to said sup port, at least one elongate cam extension, said body including' an outer wall extending from at least one end of said body and overlying said cam extension, said cam extension being longitudinally adjustable against said support and between said overlying wall and-said support, and means releasably securing sald cam extension in adjusted position'relative to said body.

' 3; A composite cam adapted to be mounted on a drum for actuating machine elements, said composite cam comprising an elongate 'arcuate body having at least one end portion in the form of a channel includlng a pair of spaced parallel side walls and an outer wall, a cam extension including opposite side portions adapted to be re: ceived between said side walls and between the outer wall and said drum said cam extensionbeing adapted to engage said drum whereby said cam extension may be adjusted longitudinally'of and relative to said body, and at least one screw penetrating said outer wall, extending 4. A structure according to claim 3 in which said screw includes a portion engaging said cam extension for locking the same in adjusted position.

5. A composite cam adapted to be mounted on a drum for actuating machine elements, said composite cam com prising an elongate arcuate body having at least each 0pposed end portion in the form of a channel including a pair of side walls and an outer wall, a cam extension for each of said opposed end portions and having opposed side portions adapted to be received between said side.

walls and between and in engagement with the outer wall and said drum whereby each cam extension may be adjusted longitudinally of and relative to said body, and at least one screw penetrating said outer wall, extending between said opposed side portions of at least one of the cam extensions and being threadable into said drum for releasably securing said cam extensions in adjusted position relative to said body.

6. A composite cam adapted to be mounted on a drumfor actuating machine elements, said composite cam comprising an elongate arcuate body, at least one end of said body including a pair of yieldable side walls and an outer wall, an arcuate cam extension adapted to be received between said side walls and between the outer wall and said support, said side walls being yieldably engageable with opposed side surfaces of said cam extension whereby said cam extension may be adjusted longitudinally of and relative to said body, and screw means for maintaining said cam extension in adjusted position relative to said body and also securing said body and said extension to the periphery of said drum.

7. In a circular knittingmachine having a rotary drum, an actuating cam adapted to be mounted on the periphery of said drum and comprising an elongate channel-shaped body having an outer wall and inwardly projecting side flanges, at least one inwardly projecting core block carried by said outer wall and having opposite sides thereof spaced inwardly from the proximal surfaces of said flanges and thus defining grooves thereat, said core block being spaced from at least one end of said body, extension cam means adjustably movable between the proximal surfaces of said side flanges on said one end of said body, said extension cam means having a pair of relatively thin stems thereon adapted to fit in said grooves, and means releasably securing said stems in said grooves to maintain said Extension cam means in adjusted position relative to said ody.

'8. A structure according to claim 7 in which said cam means comprises two independent side-by-side head por- 9. A structure according to claim 8, in which each head portion has a transverse notch therein adjacent its end re mote from said body and located in its outer surface opposite from said drum, whereby a thin instrument maybe inserted in each notch and then struck lightly to adjust the respective head portion and stemrelative to said body.

10. A structure according to claim 8, in which said re leasable means comprises at least one screw having a sub stantially frusto-conical head, said outer wall and core block having a countersink therein communicating with said grooves, and the head of said screw engaging edges of said stems projecting into said countersink whereby the head of said screw forces the stems outwardly against the respective flanges and inwardly against said drum.

11. A structure according to claim 10, wherein said extension cam means is arcuate and has an inside radius less than the radius of the periphery of said drum whereby said stems exert yieldable force :against said screw head to assist in locking said screw in tightened position.

12. A structure according to claim 7, in which said core block is also spaced from the other end of said body, second extension cammeans adjustably movable between said flanges on said other end of the body, said second extension cam means also having a pair of relatively thin stems thereon fitting in said grooves, and said releasable means also serving to secure the last-named stems in said grooves.

13. A structure according to claim 12, in which said releasable means comprises a separate screw for each of said pairs of stems, said core block having a substantially radially extending hole therein between each pair of stems, said outer wall and block being countersunk at each hole, sa'id grooves being of such depth as to form slots in the walls of the countersinks through which the respective pairs of stenis protrude, and said screws having tapered heads fitting in said countersinks and engaging said stems thereat while said screws are positioned in said holes and threaded into said drum.

14. A structure according to claim 12, in which the firstnamed stems partially overlap the stems on the second extension cam means in side-by-side relationship.

15. A structure according to claim 14, in which said releasahle means comprises a common screw for both pairs of stems, said core block having a substantially radial hole therein between said grooves and the overlapping portions of said stems, said outer wall and block having a countersink therein coaxial with said hole, said grooves communicating with and forming slots in the wall of said countersink through which portions of the proximal edges of at least two of said stems protrude, and said screw having a tapered head fitting in said countersink and engaging said proximal edge portions of said two stems, the screw being positioned in said hole and threaded into said drum.

16. An adjustable composite carry adapted to be mounted on a support for controlling machine elements, said cam comprising an elongate chan'nel-shaped body having a relatively thin outer wall and inwardly projecting side flanges, at least one block carried by said body and positioned between said flanges and being spaced inwardly from at least one end of said body,=an extension cam adjustably movable between and engaging the proximal surfaces of said side flanges at sa'id one end of said body, said extension cam having a longitudinally extending slot therein, means 'ot secure said body to said support, and a screw having a head engaging said outer wall andhaving a shank penetrating said slot and threaded into said support for releasably securing said extension camin longitudinally adjusted position relative to said: body.

17. A composite cam adapted to be mounted on asup port for actuating machine elements, said cam comprising an elongate body adapted to be secured to said support, at least one cam extension, said body including an outer wall extending longitudinally from at least one end of said body and overlying said cam extension, said cam: extension being adjustable longitudinally of said body between said overlying wall aiid said support, said body being p'rovided with at least one longitudinally extending groovein its inner surface, a relatively narrow stem on said extension fitting in said groove, and means frictionally restraining said cam extension from unintentional movement relative to said body comprising a bend in said stein which is so formed as to yieldably engage opposed side Walls of said groove. 1 p I X 18. A structure accordingto claim 17 includingai screw having asubsta'nti'ally conical head fiting in "saidouter wall andengaging said stem, and said screw being threaded into said support.

19'. A composite cam adapted to be mounted on a drum for actuating machine elements, said composite cam com-. prising an elongate arcuate body having at least one'end portion indie form of a channei including a pair of spaced parallel side walls and an outer wall, a cam extension adapted to be received between said side waits and be tween the outer wait and saiddiuin whereby said ex:

tension may be adjusted longitudinally of and relative to said body, means for locking said cam extension in adjusted position relative to said body including at least one screw extending through said body and threaded into said drum, said cam extension having a relatively thin stern extending inwardly therefrom, said body including a substantially solid core in its central portion and through which said screw also extends, said core having a slot therein for receiving said stem, and said screw being engageable with said stern for locking said cam extension in adjusted position relative to said body.

20. The combination with a rotary drum, of an actuating cam mounted on the periphery of the drum and comprising an elongate, arcuate and substantially channel-shaped body having an outer wall and radially inwardly projecting side flanges, arcuate extension cam means adjustably movable between the proximal surfaces of said side flanges on at least one end of said body, said extension cam means having an inner surface of lesser radius than the radius of the periphery of said drum and being engageable with said drum, and at least one screw penetrating said outer wall and threaded into said drum for securing said body and, said extension cam means to the drum and serving to deflect inwardly a medial portion of said extension cain means relative, to the drum whereby said extension cam means exerts yieldable force against said screw to assist in locking said screw in tightened position.

21. The combination with a rotary drum, of an actuating cam mounted on the periphery of said drum and comprising an elongate substantially chanel-shaped body having an outer wall and inwardly projecting side flanges, at least one inwardly projecting core block carried by said outerwall and having at least one side thereof spaced inwardly from the proximal surface of one of said flanges and thus defining a groove thereat, saidcore block being spaced from at least one end of said body, extension cam means adjustablymovable between theproximal surfaces of said side flanges on said one end of said body, said extension cam means having a relatively thin stem thereon fitting in said groove, means releasably securing said stem in said groove and securing said bodyto said drum comprising at least one screw having a substantially frustoconical head, said core block having a hole therethrough and said outer Wall and core block havinga countersink therein communicating with said groove andsaidhole, the head of said screw engaging one edge of said stemprojecting intosaid countersink whereby the head of said screw forces the stem outwardly against said one of said flanges and, inwardlyw against said drum, and at least the inner surface of said extension cam means and its stem being arcuate and having an inside radius less than the radius of the periphery of said drum whereby said stem exerts yieldable force against said screw head to assist in locking said screw intightened position. p

22; The combination with a rotary drum, of an actuating cam mounted ontl e-periphery of said drum and comprising an elongate substantially channel-shaped body having an outer wall and inwardly projecting side flanges, at least one inwardly projecting core block carried by said outer wall and having opposite sides thereof spaced inwardly from the proximal surfacesv of said flanges and thus defining grooves thereat, said core block being spaced from at least one end of said body, extension cam means adjustably movable betweenthe proximal surfaces of said side flanges on said one end of said body, said extension cam means having a pair of relatively thin stems thereon fitting in said grooves, meansjreleasably securing said stems in said grooves to maintain said extension cam means in adjusted position relative to said body, said releasable securing means comprising at least one screw having a substantially frusto-conical head, said outer wall and core block having a 'ct'iuntersinktherein communicatwith saidgrooves, the head of said screw engaging edges of said stems projeetinginto said countersink whereby the head of said screw forces the stems outwardly against the respective flanges and inwardly toward said drum, and at least the inner surface of said extension cam means being arcuate and having an inside radius less than the radius of the periphery of said drum whereby said stems exert yieldable force against said screw head to assist in locking said screw in tightened position.

23. A structure according to claim 22 in which said cam means comprises two independent side-by-side head portions, each of said stems being connected to a respective one of said head portions, and each stem being bent 14 adjacent its end remote from the head portion thereof so as to be frictionally mounted in the respective groove.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 346,592 Landfear Aug. 3, 1886 1,150,547 Scott Aug. 11, 1915 2,387,097 Somes Oct. 16, 1945 10 2,800,808 Cappelle et a1 July so, 1957 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTION Patent No, 3,004,416 October ll, 1961 Salomao J. Haddad It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered .pat-

ent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 9, line 51, for stuck",read struck -'3 line 72, after "drum" insert a comma; column 11, line 45, for "0t", read to --5 column 12, line 31, for "chanel-shaped'fread channel-shaped Signed and sealed this 3rd day of April 1962;,

(SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST We SWIDER DAVID L, LADD Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

